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Raymond Brown, 86, Was Veteran of World War II

Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 8:00pm

Raymond Brown, the man with the wry smile riding the streets of Edgartown in his red scooter, died peacefully Sept. 11 at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, surrounded by friends, family and his devoted wife of 60 years, Amy. He was 86 years old.

Raymond had been a resident of Edgartown for the past 30 years.

A World War II veteran, he entered the U.S. Army/Air Force in March 1941. He served as an armorer on a gunner crew on B17s in Iceland from August 1941 until August 1943. He then served in England from September 1943 to September 1944 before being shipped back home to New York city. He was discharged in September 1945.

He started a career in the photographic industry in March 1946, becoming a partner in Superior Fototech in 1958. He worked there until his retirement in 1990. Raymond enjoyed boating, spending endless amounts of time and money on his succession of Boston Whalers, his O'Day 22 sailboat and, his ultimate pride and joy, his Hereshoff catboat, the AMY E.

An avid golfer, he fought off the effects of two earlier strokes by playing golf every day -- sometimes well, sometimes not so well, but always with a smile as he looked forward to the "end-game" -- his usual cup of coffee and a cookie at the end of the day.

He is survived by his wife, Amy; his sons, Robert of Edgartown and Scott, formerly of Edgartown, now residing in Temecula, Calif.; his daughter in law, Lisa Brown of Temecula, and his four grandchildren, Reid, Noah, Todd and Cody.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brigham and Women's hospital who helped him fight his final battle and, of course, the wonderful staff at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, who cared for him until the end and with whom he had become quite attached over the course of these many years.

Raymond was interred with family in attendance at the West Side Cemetery in Edgartown on the morning of Sept. 14, promptly at 9:30, a time his friends know was important to him. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. at the grave site, where his life will be celebrated.

Ray now joins his dear friend John Rogers as they again share a tall tale or two and, of course, the usual cup of coffee.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home on the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs. Visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.